Plant Genetic Resources and Seeds

Policies, Conservation and Use

1. Training Introduction

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of food security, agricultural sustainability, and biodiversity. Effective conservation and use of PGR, including seeds, are crucial for breeding programs, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

This training programme by FOTADE TRRDC equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to manage, conserve, and utilize plant genetic resources and seeds, while understanding the policies, legal frameworks, and best practices that guide their sustainable use. Participants will engage in both theoretical discussions and practical exercises, fostering skills in seed conservation, germplasm management, and policy application.

 

2. Training Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Provide comprehensive knowledge of plant genetic resources and their role in agriculture.
• Equip participants with practical skills in seed collection, conservation, regeneration, and utilization.
• Introduce national and international policies, treaties, and legal frameworks on PGR.
• Promote sustainable use and management of seeds for food security and climate resilience.
• Build capacity for planning, monitoring, and evaluating PGR and seed systems.
• Encourage participatory approaches to conservation and use of local varieties and landraces.

 

3. Targeted Group

This training is designed for:

• Seed and germplasm bank managers
• Plant breeders and agricultural researchers
• Agricultural extension officers and rural development practitioners
• Farmers, farmer organizations, and seed cooperatives
• Policy makers, regulatory authorities, and development agencies
• Students and professionals in agriculture, plant sciences, and biodiversity management

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 Weeks (16 Modules; 4 Modules per week)
• Contact Hours: 48–60 hours
• Delivery Mode: Hybrid (In-person and Online/Virtual)
• Schedule: Flexible for professionals and community-based practitioners

 

5. Training Methodology

The programme uses a combination of interactive, participatory, and practical learning approaches, including:

• Expert-led lectures and multimedia presentations
• Case studies on seed systems, germplasm management, and conservation practices
• Field visits to seed banks, research farms, and germplasm collections
• Hands-on exercises in seed collection, processing, storage, and regeneration
• Group discussions, simulations, and problem-solving exercises
• Development of practical conservation and seed use plans

 

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Plant Genetic Resources (PGR)

• Definition, types, and importance of PGR
• Role in food security, agriculture, and biodiversity
• Overview of global and national PGR initiatives

Module 2: Seed Biology and Genetics

• Seed structure, physiology, and viability
• Genetic diversity and its importance
• Seed dormancy, germination, and longevity

Module 3: Seed Systems and Management

• Formal and informal seed systems
• Community-based and commercial seed production
• Seed quality standards and certification

Module 4: Collection and Documentation of Germplasm

• Methods of collecting plant genetic material
• Documentation and data management of collections
• Importance of herbarium and field records

Module 5: Ex-situ Conservation Techniques

• Seed banks, gene banks, and storage methods
• Cryopreservation and tissue culture
• Regeneration and monitoring of stored germplasm

Module 6: In-situ Conservation Approaches

• On-farm conservation of landraces
• Protected areas and conservation sites
• Participatory conservation strategies with farmers

Module 7: Seed Quality Management

• Physical, genetic, and physiological seed quality
• Seed testing methods and standards
• Seed storage, handling, and longevity management

Module 8: Seed Multiplication and Production

• Breeder, foundation, and certified seed production
• Maintaining varietal purity and genetic integrity
• Scaling up seed production in dry and marginal areas

Module 9: Policies, Legal, and Institutional Frameworks

• International treaties (e.g., ITPGRFA, CBD)
• National seed and biodiversity policies
• Institutional roles and responsibilities in PGR management

Module 10: Intellectual Property Rights and Access to Germplasm

• Plant variety protection (PVP) and patents
• Farmers’ rights and benefit-sharing mechanisms
• Ethical considerations in PGR use

Module 11: Seed Marketing and Distribution

• Seed marketing strategies and commercialization
• Linking farmers with markets
• Challenges in seed supply chains in rural areas

Module 12: Participatory Approaches in PGR Management

• Farmer-led varietal selection and conservation
• Community seed banks
• Integrating local knowledge into PGR strategies

Module 13: Climate Change and PGR Utilization

• Impact of climate variability on crop diversity
• Climate-smart breeding and selection
• Using PGR for drought and stress tolerance

Module 14: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Documentation

• Tracking germplasm use and regeneration cycles
• Evaluating the impact of conservation programs
• Data management systems for PGR and seeds

Module 15: Innovation and Technology in Seed and PGR Management

• Use of GIS, databases, and molecular tools
• Digital phenotyping and seed tracing
• Emerging technologies in conservation and breeding

Module 16: Practical Project on PGR and Seed Management

• Site assessment and selection of germplasm or seed system
• Design and implementation of a conservation or seed use plan
• Presentation of integrated PGR and seed management project

 

7. Expected Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance and management of plant genetic resources.
• Apply practical skills in seed collection, conservation, and use.
• Navigate policies, regulations, and treaties governing PGR and seeds.
• Develop and implement community-based or institutional seed management plans.
• Promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
• Strengthen formal and informal seed systems to enhance food security.
• Contribute to national and regional PGR conservation and utilization programs.

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete all 16 modules, actively engage in practical exercises, and submit a Practical PGR and Seed Management Project will receive:

🎓 Certificate of Completion in Plant Genetic Resources and Seeds: Policies, Conservation, and Use

Issued by: FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre (FOTADE TRRDC)

This certificate validates participants’ competence in seed and genetic resource management, conservation, and policy application, preparing them for professional roles in agriculture, research, biodiversity conservation, and community-based seed systems.